CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Gennaro Gattuso Jokes He’ll Flee Italy If Azzurri Fail To Qualify For The World Cup Again
Italy’s fiery coach Gennaro Gattuso has done it again — another passionate outburst, this time mixed with a bit of humor and a whole lot of pressure.
Following Italy’s 3–0 victory over Israel in their latest 2026 World Cup Qualifier, Gattuso jokingly vowed to “flee the country” if the Azzurri fail to make it to the tournament for the third consecutive time.
“I’ll take credit if I manage to achieve my goal [qualify for the World Cup], otherwise I’ll go and live far away from Italy,” Gattuso quipped.
“I’m already a bit far away, I’ll go even further.”
Italy’s Rocky Road To Qualification
Despite the convincing win — with Mateo Retegui scoring twice and Gianluca Mancini adding another — Italy remain second in their group behind Norway. A painful 3–0 defeat to the Norwegians earlier in the campaign and an inferior goal difference mean the European champions might still need to go through the dreaded play-offs to reach the World Cup.
Gattuso’s men have shown great form since his appointment, boasting four wins in four games, but the scars of the past two qualification failures still haunt Italian fans.
“The Doors To The Team Are Always Open”
The 46-year-old coach praised his players’ commitment and hinted that he plans to rotate the squad ahead of the play-offs.
“Everyone trains incredibly well, so I want to give space to those who aren’t playing as much,” Gattuso said. “There’ll be a lot of movement, and the doors to the national team are always open to those who do well.”
Italy’s Troubled World Cup History Since 2006
Since their World Cup triumph in 2006, Italy have struggled to find consistency on the global stage.
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Knocked out in the group stages in 2010 and 2014
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Failed to qualify in both 2018 and 2022
Now, with Gattuso at the helm, the Azzurri are determined to avoid a third straight heartbreak.
At Sports Market International, we know football is more than a game — it’s emotion, pride, and passion. And no one embodies that better than Gennaro Gattuso.
So, will Italy finally end their World Cup curse, or will Gattuso really pack his bags and disappear into the sunset?
Stay tuned to Sports Market International, your go-to source for the best sports blog and all the latest buzz from the sports market worldwide.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Ahmet Cakar Urges Galatasaray To Sell Osimhen If €200 Million Bid Arrives
Turkish football analyst Ahmet Cakar has suggested that Galatasaray should consider selling Victor Osimhen if a substantial offer — such as €200 million — comes in from a major European club.
However, the pundit also expressed doubt that the Nigeria international would agree to leave, given his strong connection to the Turkish champions and his earlier decision to reject a far more lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
The 26-year-old striker turned down a move to the Middle East in the final days of the summer transfer window, opting instead to sign with Galatasaray — where he earns around €21 million annually. His loyalty to the club has made him a fan favourite, and his performances have only strengthened his status as a global superstar.
Osimhen has been in sensational form, currently sitting as the Champions League top scorer with six goals in three matches, sparking renewed transfer interest from clubs across Europe.
Speaking to GsGazette, Cakar shared his blunt view on the matter:
“If any European team offers €200 million for Osimhen, Galatasaray should sell him. If they don’t, they’re a sucker. In return, maybe Osimhen won’t leave. He turned down twice the salary in Saudi Arabia. He loves Galatasaray like Metin Oktay.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as they prepare for life after Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to leave the club this summer.
Reports from Turkey suggest that Galatasaray would not block Osimhen’s potential exit but would only entertain offers of at least €150 million, double the €75 million they paid Napoli to secure his signature.
With Osimhen’s goal-scoring exploits lighting up Europe and his value soaring, the coming transfer window could see one of the biggest football stories of 2026 unfold — depending on whether loyalty or legacy wins out.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Arrigo Sacchi Defends Ivan Juric After Heated Clash With Ademola Lookman In Champions League Win
Football legend Arrigo Sacchi has stepped into the spotlight to defend Atalanta manager Ivan Juric following his fiery altercation with Ademola Lookman during their dramatic 1–0 Champions League victory over Marseille.
The match, which ended with Lazar Samardzic’s last-minute winner, was overshadowed by a tense moment between Lookman and Juric after the Nigerian was substituted in the second half with the score still level.
As Lookman made his way off the pitch, visibly frustrated, Juric appeared to grab his arm in an exchange that quickly drew attention from staff and cameras alike. While social media erupted in criticism of the coach’s approach, one of football’s greatest tacticians saw things differently.
Sacchi Backs Juric’s Reaction
In his column for La Gazzetta dello Sport, the two-time Champions League-winning AC Milan legend expressed sympathy for Juric, insisting he understood the emotional context behind the confrontation.
“I was sorry to see the argument between him and Lookman after the striker’s substitution,” Sacchi wrote.
“I tried to put myself in Juric’s shoes, and I concluded that I would’ve reacted in that way as well.”
Sacchi emphasized that, in football, discipline and respect are crucial for harmony within a team, adding that a coach’s authority must remain intact even when players disagree with tactical choices.
“The Coach Must Be Respected”
Sacchi continued:
“Players don’t always understand that the coach always needs to be respected, even if you don’t agree with their decisions.”
The former Italy boss expressed confidence that the matter would soon be settled behind closed doors:
“I hope that this incident will be clarified quickly, and that they draw a line under it for the good of the group.”
Fans Divided Over the Incident
Reactions have been mixed. While some supporters agree with Sacchi’s stance that Lookman overreacted, others believe Juric’s physical approach crossed a line.
The incident has reignited conversations about player-coach relationships and how passion, pressure, and respect intertwine in elite football environments.
For Lookman, who has been one of Atalanta’s standout players in recent seasons, the hope is that both parties can move forward in unity as the club continues its impressive Champions League run.
At Sports Market International, we’ll be watching closely — because in modern football, emotions can sometimes score louder than goals.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Erling Haaland Sets Another UCL Record As Manchester City Crush Dortmund 4-1
Erling Haaland Has Done It Again! The Manchester City goal machine continues to make the UEFA Champions League his personal playground — this time, setting yet another record that places him above some of football’s all-time greats.
During City’s 4-1 demolition of Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night, Haaland found the net against his former club to become the first player ever to score in five consecutive Champions League matches for three different clubs.
The Norwegian striker first achieved this rare streak with Red Bull Salzburg (2019/20), repeated it with Borussia Dortmund (2020/21), and has now done it once more with Manchester City (2024/25).
A Night Of Records And Ruthlessness
City were in full control from start to finish. Phil Foden stole the show with a brilliant brace, scoring twice on either side of Haaland’s strike. Rayan Cherki added a classy fourth, sealing a comfortable victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
For Haaland, it was business as usual — his 18th goal in just 14 matches this season, keeping him well on pace to replicate his jaw-dropping debut campaign in England, where he bagged 52 goals in 53 games.
Haaland’s Consistency Is Beyond Ordinary
What makes Haaland’s achievement special isn’t just the goals — it’s the consistency across clubs and leagues. To deliver at this level for Salzburg, Dortmund, and now City shows a level of adaptability and excellence rarely seen in football.
Even legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi never managed this particular feat — proof that Haaland isn’t just chasing records, he’s rewriting them.
City’s Champions League Ambition Grows Stronger
With this win, Manchester City continue to flex their European dominance. Guardiola’s men look sharper, hungrier, and even more determined to retain their UCL crown. And with Haaland in this kind of form, few teams in Europe can stop them.
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